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Family history
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Before you start Read about what you should know before you begin.
- Research step-by-step Follow our steps for doing family history research.
- Family history sources Learn about the different sources of family history information.
- Where to get help Access assistance in your state and territory.
Collection
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Search the Collection Search and explore the AIATSIS Collection of more than 1 million items related to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Featured collections Browse some of our featured collections which have been digitised as part of our ongoing preservation work.
- Using the Collection You can search the Collection online or visit the Stanner Reading Room to view or listen to collection items and conduct research.
- Caring for the Collection We have the largest and best contextualised collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in the world, and it continues to grow.
- Donate to the Collection We welcome donations of unpublished materials relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, culture, knowledge, and experience.
Research
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Current projects Our research contributes to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and has a direct benefit to the communities we work with.
- Ethical research We provide leadership in ethics and protocols for research related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and collections.
- Indigenous Research Exchange We offer research grants for high quality, impactful Indigenous led research.
- Native title research and access service The Native Title Research and Access Service is your first stop for information about the native title resources in the AIATSIS collection.
- Research publications We produce a range of publications and other resources derived from our research.
- Guides and resources We have produced a range of resources, databases, indexes, finding aids and reading lists to help you with your research and to find information in our Collection.
Education
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Curriculum resources Our world leading curriculum resources are keyed to national curriculum requirements. We also have a range of useful teacher resources within our collection.
- Schools program We will be creating a transformative learning experience for all Australian students and teachers, when visiting Canberra or through on-line training.
- Professional development We will be developing online culturally responsive and racially literate teacher professional development.
What's new
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- News Read all our latest news and media releases.
- Events Find out about all of our upcoming events and conferences.
About
AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
- Connect with us We invite you to connect with us on social media. Join our strong and growing membership and support our foundation.
- What we do We tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and create opportunities for people to encounter, engage and be transformed by that story.
- Who we are We are Australia's only national institution focused exclusively on the diverse history, cultures and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.
- Work with us We recognise that our staff and volunteers are our most valuable asset.
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Request Collection access

We are currently upgrading the entrance to our building and alternative access arrangements are in place throughout February. Find out more.

If your request is not related to accessing or using the AIATSIS Collection, please use our contact form to help us direct your enquiry.

Browse our frequently asked questions that cover a range of our programs, projects and services.

Please select the type of request you wish to make

A request for collection material to be sent to you

A request to book an appointment to visit the Reading Room (for onsite access to collection material or group visit)

A general enquiry

Covid safe requirement

By making this appointment to enter AIATSIS, I agree to:

Use hand sanitiser
Wash my hands well and often
Wipe down surfaces before and after use
Maintain physical distancing
Stay home if unwell

I agree to the above conditions of entry

First name ^*

Last name ^*

Preferred contact number

Email ^*

Address ^*

City / Town

State / Territory

Postcode

Country

Organisation

Enquiry

Do you identify as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person

Yes, Aboriginal

Yes, Torres Strait Islander

Both, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

No

Purpose of use

Duration of visit

Number of hours or days

When would you like to visit?

Bookings must be two weeks in advance.

Purpose of visit

What is your group interested to know about?

Collection items you wish to access

We encourage you to search our collection catalogue Mura, and upload as an attachment below:

a list you have created using Mura, or
the web address (URL) of the catalogue record for each item, or
the full text of the catalogue records for each item, copy-pasted from Mura

Please also tell us the names of the particular people, languages, places or subjects you are interested in.

Attachment

Unlimited number of files can be uploaded to this field.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx.

The information you are asked to provide to AIATSIS is personal information and is protected by the Privacy Act 1988. AIATSIS will not disclose this information to other parties other than in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and handle your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy.